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State Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, is the sponsor of The End of
Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, which would allow
terminally ill adults to have the option to get prescription
medication to end their life.
Holmes said there are safeguards, including a requirement that
the patient consults with two doctors beforehand.
“If either doctor has any concerns that you're not mentally
capable of making an informed decision like that, they refer you
to a mental health care specialist,” Holmes said.
Holmes points to a poll that showed seven out of 10 Illinois
voters want Illinois lawmakers to pass medical aid-in-dying
legislation.
A group called Stop Assisted Suicide Illinois is taking a stand
against the proposed legislation, and Wednesday during a news
conference urged lawmakers to reject the measure.
“I believe that the role of a physician is to affirm the lives
of patients, to relieve suffering, and give compassionate,
competent care as long as our patients live,” said Dr. Kevin
Garner, medical director of Chestnut Health Systems. “Assisted
suicide ushers in abuse, discrimination and injustice.”
Julia Morell, who lost her father to cancer but who lived four
years longer than doctors expected, said allowing assisted
suicide is going down a slippery slope.
“They want to tell you that this bill will increase patient
choice, but the reality is that the inevitable consequence of
the legalization of assisted suicide is the release of a money
hungry wolf in a sheepskin of patient choice,” Morell said.
Ten states have legalized medical aid-in-dying, with 19 other
states considering similar measures this spring.
The national suicide and crisis line can be reached by dialing
988. Counselors provide free and confidential support for people
in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources.
Catrina Petersen contributed to this story.
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